Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A dispute over the financial position of Tonga Power Limited (TPL) has intensified, with sharply conflicting claims over millions of paʻanga — the utility maintaining total borrowings of $20.47 million while a counterclaim of $58 million persists — alongside allegations that incorrect figures may have been presented to the Prime Minister.
The conflict follows earlier revelations that a lease over a royal estate allocated to TPL was allegedly subleased to the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) for the construction of a World Bank-funded headquarters for the Tonga Meteorological Service and the National Emergency Management Office (TMS/NEMO).
The lease is understood to involve land granted under royal authority, making its use and any subleasing arrangements subject to strict conditions.
As previously reported by KanivaNews, the headquarters was scheduled to be launched in February but was delayed after concerns were allegedly raised by the King regarding the lease.
Allegations linking the lease arrangement to the loan of the TOP $54 million were raised by broadcaster ʻEtuate Lavulavu through his Letiō ʻa e Kakai FM 88.1 platform.
The matter was also brought up during a press conference last week attended by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Tonga Power Chief Executive Officer Scott Westbury, both of whom rejected the claim.
Lavulavu later increased the alleged figure to TOP $58 million in a follow-up broadcast, saying he stood by his claims despite official denials, but did not reveal the source of the information.
He further accused the TPL CEO of allegedly providing incorrect information to the Prime Minister.
PM Fakafanua did not respond to questions during the press conference about the status of the dispute over the royal lease or whether the matter had been escalated to the courts.
Company Reassures Public
In a statement dated May 1, 2026, TPL said it was aware of online speculation and sought to reassure customers regarding its borrowing levels.
“Based on TPL’s FY2024/25 audited financial statements, total borrowings as at 30 June 2025 were TOP 20.47 million,” the company said, adding that its borrowing position had not materially changed since that time.
TPL also encouraged customers to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information.
